Department for Education

Askham Bryan College: Closures

Lord Campbell-Savours: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the closure ofAskham Bryan College’s Newton Rigg campus in Cumbria; and what discussions they have had with (1) Askham Bryan College, and (2) other bodies, about the closure.

Baroness Berridge: The Further Education Commissioner and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) carried out a comprehensive analysis of local provision needs for Newton Rigg and the surrounding area in 2020. The core objective of this analysis was to establish if there was a need for college provision within the general vicinity of the Newton Rigg campus. It considered the location of neighbouring further education (FE) colleges in relation to travel to learn options and identified that most enrolments could be accommodated at other statutory FE institutions. In total, 286 16 to 18 year-old students were enrolled onto land based further education courses at Newton Rigg, of which 70 were in residential accommodation. Where gaps in provision were identified, specifically agricultural provision, alternative arrangements for the next academic year have been agreed with Myerscough College in partnership with Ullswater Community College to ensure continuity of delivery of this provision in the Penrith area after Newton Rigg closes. Both the Further Education Commissioner and the ESFA continue to have regular meetings with the senior leadership team at Askham Bryan College, and this includes, but is not exclusively related to, matters concerning the closure of Newton Rigg Campus. During the analysis of local provision needs and subsequently the strategic review, the Further Education Commissioner, with support from the ESFA, has engaged with a significant number of stakeholders who had an interest in Newton Rigg, the implications of its proposed closure and the delivery of FE, including land-based provision within Cumbria. This included Cumbria County Council, Eden District Council, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, all statutory FE colleges located within Cumbria, Scotland’s Rural College, the University of Cumbria, University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University, National Farmers Union, Friends of Newton Rigg, current and former governors of Askham Bryan College and a range of industry stakeholders. The strategic review commenced in July 2020 and completed in February 2021. This review engaged with local interested parties and all the educational institutions identified above to ascertain interest and options available to maintain specialist provision at the Newton Rigg campus. No suitable alternative solution was identified to maintain education provision at that site.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Local Government: Meetings

Lord Mann: To ask Her Majesty's Government, while national COVID-19 restrictions remain in force, what powers local councils have to ensure that all those who attend council meetings have tested negative for COVID-19 before they are permitted entry.

Lord Greenhalgh: Ultimately it is for individual local authorities to satisfy themselves that they have met the requirements for public access and apply the COVID-19 guidance to ensure meetings take place safely. Government has published updated guidance to highlight ways in which councils can, if necessary, minimise the need for, or risks of, face-to-face meetings.

Local Government: Meetings

Lord Mann: To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial support they will give to local councils to enable them to safely comply with the Government's guidance on returning to holding council meetings in public.

Lord Greenhalgh: As councils now need to meet in person, we have published updated guidance on how to minimise the risks of face-to-face meetings, supported by unprecedented emergency funding to manage the impact of the pandemic.The Government has committed over £45 billion to help local authorities support their communities and local businesses during the pandemic, including over £12 billion directly to councils in England to tackle the impacts of COVID-19. Over £6 billion of this is unringfenced and so, where needed, it can be used to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to manage any risks involved in face-to-face meetings while COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.

Department for Work and Pensions

Child Maintenance Service: Reform

Lord Farmer: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to reform the Child Maintenance Service.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: We keep Child Maintenance policy and our operational delivery under review. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has introduced new digital services – such as the Apply Online Service that has reduced average application times from 45 to 15 minutes – which are available 24/7 and allow greater flexibility for separated parents to contact the CMS. Operational reforms such as these help improve outcomes for children by enabling parents to set up and manage child maintenance arrangements in ways that suit their own circumstances.

Kickstart Scheme

Baroness Wilcox of Newport: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people who have started jobs through the Kickstart scheme were (1) black, (2) Asian; (3) other ethnic minority, and (4) white.

Baroness Wilcox of Newport: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) women, and (2) men, have started Kickstart jobs.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: As of 27th May 2021, there have been over 29,000 job placement starts to the Kickstart Scheme. As the Kickstart Scheme had to be launched quickly to support eligible 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who were at risk of long-term unemployment, a means of recording the number of participating young people from ethnic minorities or by gender was not prioritised in the initial design. Ethnicity and gender are recorded on the wider Universal Credit systems and will be used in the evaluation of the Scheme.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Belarus: Politics and Government

Lord Bowness: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to invite Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as a guest to the G7 summit in June, so that she may put the case of the Belarusian opposition to the G7 heads of government.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: G7 Leaders will discuss current global issues including Belarus' reckless and dangerous behaviour and the UK is actively considering and coordinating with our allies on further sanctions for those responsible. Officials engage regularly with a range of representatives of Belarusian civil society, including opposition groups. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya on 1 February. The UK Government looks forward to welcoming Mrs Tikhanovskaya to the UK as soon as covid regulations allow.

North Korea: Capital Punishment

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will raise the public execution of a North Korean citizen in Wonsan on 25 April who was found to have smuggled CDs and USBs (1) at the next meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, and (2) with the Ambassador of North Korea to the United Kingdom.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of recent reports of a public execution in DPRK of an individual charged with distributing smuggled CDs and USBs. Due to the closed nature of the regime in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, we cannot verify the accuracy of these reports. The UK, working with partners, ensures that annual UN resolutions consistently call on the DPRK to end its use of the death penalty and adhere to international standards on judicial procedures. We also continue to raise our concerns directly with the North Korean Government, including with the DPRK's Ambassador in London.

Albert Douglas

Baroness Whitaker: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of the United Arab Emirates regarding the imprisonment of Albert Douglas.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Whilst the FCDO cannot interfere in the legal processes of another country, officials have been in contact with the UAE authorities to raise concerns for Mr Douglas' health and welfare, and to ensure his access to medical treatment. Consular staff are in contact with Mr Douglas and are providing him with ongoing support.

China: Olympic Games

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will support the call of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, for a diplomatic boycott on the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: No decisions have yet been made about Her Majesty's Government attendance at the Beijing Olympics in 2022.

Myanmar: Arms Trade

The Lord Bishop of Worcester: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to table a UN Security Council Resolution to secure a comprehensive global arms embargo on Myanmar.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo on Myanmar.  We are clear that no one should sell arms to Myanmar.  The UK autonomous Myanmar sanctions regulations prohibit the provision of military related services, including the provision of technical assistance, to or for the benefit of the Myanmar Security Forces.  The UK as chair of the G7, demonstrating its leadership worked to secure a strong G7 Foreign & Development Ministers communique 5 May urging countries to prevent the sale of arms and technical assistance to the Tatmadaw. We will continue to work closely with partners and through multilateral institutions, such as the UN Security Council, to apply pressure on those who sell arms to the military.

Myanmar: Association of Southeast Asian Nations

The Lord Bishop of Worcester: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to governments of ASEAN-member states to implement the conclusions agreed at the ASEAN emergency summit on Myanmar on 24 April.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We welcome the Five Point Consensus on Myanmar and ASEAN's unique role in addressing the crisis and supported ASEAN's call for an end to violence, for restraint, and for a peaceful resolution, in line with the purpose and principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter. As was made clear in the communique after the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting on 5 May the military must implement this plan without delay. The Foreign Secretary discussed ASEAN's approach with the Chair in Office Brunei's Foreign Minister II Dato Erywan also on 5 May.

Home Office

Forensic Capability Network

Lord Fox: To ask Her Majesty's Government whenthey expect the independent review of the Forensic Capability Network commissioned by the National Police Chiefs’ Council to be published.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The review is independent of the Government, and the National Police Chiefs’ Council will control publication, but we understand that they aim to complete it by June 2021.

Football: Touting

Lord Pendry: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the efficacy of existing legislation in preventing the re-sale of football match tickets.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The unauthorised resale of tickets (also known as “ticket touting”) for regulated football matches is prohibited under the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994. This public order provision explicitly applies to football in view of the importance of segregation in reducing the potential for disorder between rival fans.The police and courts can and do enforce the legislation in a proportionate and targeted way when breaches to the segregation of supporters might increase the risk to public order.It is an operational decision for police match commanders whether it is appropriate to direct resources to deal with ticket touts.

Immigration Controls: EU Nationals

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of EU citizens (1) being handcuffed at British airports, (2) made to sleep in parked vans, and (3) prevented from accessing medication, after being denied entry into the UK.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: EU citizens are our friends and neighbours and we want them to stay in the UK, which is why we launched our ground-breaking EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), and for those who do not have status under the EUSS, they can enter the UK for up to six months as visitors, visa free.Separate to the Immigration Rules any travel to the UK at this time is also subject to requirements relating to the global pandemic. Until 17 May, it was not generally permissible to travel the UK simply for a visit under health regulations set by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations. Those claiming to be entering for work or study in relation to these regulations must prove they meet our entry requirements, including holding the correct immigration status, for the purpose stated for their journey in relation to the border health regulations.Individuals, including EU Citizens, may be refused permission to enter the UK if they do not meet COVID19 related health or immigration requirements. COVID19 testing requirements set by EU and other nations, combined with a lack of flights, has meant some cannot be returned as quickly and easily as normal.We will accept nothing but the highest standards from both Home Office staff and the companies employed to provide detention and escorting services on our behalf. Home office staff have a duty to act professionally and only use detention when it is proportionate, reasonable, and justified in the circumstances. We have issued instructions to staff to reinforce the principle, in all cases there exists a presumption in favour of bail.In detention, the rights of all detained individuals are protected by the Detention Centre Rules 2001 (DCR), published Operating Standards for immigration removal centres (IRCs) and individuals under escort and Detention Services Orders (DSO).Published guidance, and the training received by Border Force and Detainee Custody Officers makes it clear physical force and restraint equipment should only be used after a thorough assessment of risk, and in consideration of each individual’s personal circumstances. Where restraints are used, they are removed at the earliest opportunity.The Home Office and our escorting provider regularly review procedures to reduce the amount of time detained individuals spend on board escorting vehicles. Officers are instructed to process individuals as quickly as practically possible, whilst ensuring they still have a full and proper induction and ultimately maintain the safety and security of all detained individuals and staff involved.All IRCs have dedicated health facilities run by doctors and nurses which are managed by the NHS or appropriate providers. Detained individuals arriving at IRCs are medically assessed by a nurse within two hours of their arrival and offered an appointment with a doctor within 24 hours. Those carrying prescribed medication, have this medication checked and re-issued by healthcare teams at the earliest possible opportunity. Individuals continue have access to medical assistance, including medication, throughout their time in an IRC.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Birds: Trapping

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what evidence they have received that organised and violent criminals are involved with bird trapping in Cyprus, especially in the Sovereign Base Areas.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Whilst songbirds are a protected species under both Cypriot and Sovereign Base Areas law, trapping and eating songbirds unfortunately remains a practice in some Cypriot communities, and substantial profits can still be made by those who organise and control this activity. Nevertheless, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration takes wildlife crime seriously. Those who commit offences under the Game and Wild Bird Ordinance and other legislation that protects our wildlife face significant penalties including up to three years in prison and/or a €17,086 fine.

Birds: Gun Sports and Trapping

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps have been taken since 2004to reduce, and if possible eliminate, the (1) trapping, and (2) shooting, of migrating birds in the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, in particular since the Larnaca Declaration of 2011.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBAA) has a zero tolerance policy towards the trapping and killing of wild birds and continues to make significant efforts to prevent the trapping in the Eastern Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus, using increased enforcement and denial of trapping opportunities. The Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) Police continue to use a detect, deter and disrupt strategy against the trappers. This includes seeking improved evidence collection, using enhanced surveillance equipment, resulting in greater fixed penalty notices and/or court sentences. The programme of seizing bird trapping paraphernalia continues, as does extensive patrolling by the SBA Police during the migratory seasons. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and BirdLife Cyprus have recognised the SBAA’s continued efforts highlighting an estimated 94% reduction in mist netting activity in 2020 compared to the baseline year of 2002. All opportunities are taken to enhance the excellent cooperation between the SBAA, the RSPB, BirdLife Cyprus and other NGOs involved in preventing illegal bird trapping.

Neonicotinoids and Pesticides: USA and Australia

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government, what assessment they have made of (1) the use of paraquat in agriculture in the United States of America and Australia, and (2) the use of neonicotinoids in Australia; and what consideration they will give to the use of such chemicals in the negotiation of trade deals with those countries.

Lord Benyon: We now have full responsibility for regulation of pesticides, alongside the Devolved Administrations in Great Britain. EU pesticides legislation continues to apply in Northern Ireland, under the terms of the NI Protocol. We believe it is essential that the use of actives that are known to be hazardous to human health or the environment should be subject to scientific risk assessment, mitigation and regulatory protections. This is why we support the listing of paraquat under the Rotterdam convention. We also believe in evidence based international policy making, through the use of scientific committees, such as the Chemical Review Committee, and support the strengthening of the international science:policy interface for chemicals and pesticides to support global decision making. Furthermore, as part of the UK ambition to be a global leader to protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems, we continue to work through UN multilateral environmental agreements and frameworks, the wider Defra group and other agencies, to actively promote the widespread use of Integrated Pest Management to minimise the risks and impacts posed by pesticide use. As we committed to in our manifesto, in all of our trade negotiations, we will not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards. Our trade agreements will respect the regulatory autonomy of both the UK and our trading partners, and decisions on standards will remain a matter for the UK Government and Devolved Administrations, including on pesticides. We will ensure decisions on the use of pesticides are based on careful scientific assessment and will not authorise pesticides that may carry unacceptable risks to people or the environment. All agri-food products imported into the UK under existing or future free trade agreements will, as now, comply with our import requirements.